Method and apparatus for control and elimination of undesirable substances

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/091,980, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ODORCONTROL AND ELIMINATION, filed Aug. 26, 2008, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally pertains to methods of treatingundesirable substances such as malodors, viruses, bacteria, fungi, andtoxins, particularly those undesirable substances present withinenclosed environments, including homes, vehicles and other types ofpermanent and mobile structures, using nanocrystalline metal oxide andmetal hydroxide particles that are contained within a filter apparatus.The filter apparatus may be adapted for use with existing heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment present in a home orvehicle, or in a portable air purification unit or processor.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Common sources of malodors include smoke/tobacco, human and petexcrements, mold and mildew, bacteria, food, beverages (spoiled milk),vomit, and dirty clothes. Although malodors have a multitude ofdifferent sources, chemically speaking, most malodors are organic(carbon containing compounds) in nature. Malodors, can easily permeate,penetrate, impregnate and cling to surfaces within enclosed environmentssuch as homes and buildings.

Various types of odor problems occur in homes. Some of the leadingcauses of nuisance odors are the result of the biological contamination.When these microbial organisms decay and rot, they give off gases andnoxious fumes. Unfortunately these are not just aesthetic problems.Health concerns ranging from nausea to death can arise from acute andrepeated exposure to these and other odor causing compounds. Indoor airpollution is now considered by the EPA and Congress to be America's No.1 environmental health problem. It is estimated that 4-5 millionAmericans already suffer from the effects of chemically inducedenvironmental illnesses. Tightly sealed buildings and homes may be moreenergy efficient but can trap pollutants and microbes indoors causingallergies, odors, mold, and illness.

Furthermore, the EPA conducted a 17-year study and found that womenworking in their homes had a 55% greater risk of dying from cancer thanthose who worked in an office, primarily due to the use of ordinaryhousehold cleaners. Some of the products found in American homes havechemical ingredients that are potentially harmful. These productsinclude oven cleaners, paint removers, pesticides, solvents, draincleaners, and more.

Treatment of malodors is generally approached in two ways: masking orelimination. If odor masking is used, the source of the malodor is noteliminated and will eventually return once the “masking” agent isremoved. In many cases, the malodor is so overpowering that a maskingagent is ineffective, Treatment by elimination, on the other hand,removes the malodor by removing its source. Elimination can be done byphysically replacing the contaminated surface or by removing themalodor-causing agent itself.

Numerous compositions and methods have been developed for reducing odorsfrom a variety of sources; however, they have had only limited successbecause the odors associated with a wide range of sources are complexand can comprise a mixture of different substances including, but notlimited to inorganic bases such as ammonia, organic acids such asbutyric acid and isovaleric acid, and neutral molecules such asacetaldehyde and methyl mercaptan. The most common ways of reducingmalodors caused by these substances include: (i) masking the odor usingan odor-masking aroma, (ii) adsorption of the odor using inorganicmaterials, such as activated carbon, sodium bicarbonate, and talcumpowder, and (iii) using a composite, such as chlorine dioxide, forreducing bacteria which produce the malodorous substances. However,these methods present the following problems: (i) the odor is noteliminated, but only masked, (ii) the adsorption capability of thesetraditional sorbents is limited, (iii) by using the oxidizing agent, asecondary pollutant can be produced, and (iv) the sorbents can beeffective only under certain conditions such as a wet environment.

As noted above, a number of odors can be produced from bacteria or othermicroorganisms. Removal or elimination of these microorganisms can beuseful in permanent odor elimination. Further, enclosed environmentsincluding hospitals, homes, schools, and airplanes can harbor viruses,bacteria, fungi and toxins for transmission among people locatedtherein. Elimination or control of these substances from the air withinthe enclosed space can greatly reduce the incidence of transmission andillnesses associated therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed toward novel filterapparatus and its use in the control and elimination of undesirablesubstances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, fromwithin enclosed environments such as homes, office buildings, industrialbuildings, vehicles, and the like. In one embodiment, there is provideda system for controlling and eliminating undesirable substances in anenclosed environment. The system generally compares air handlingapparatus including a blower that acts as a motive force for circulatingair within the enclosed environment, and an air filtration devicepositioned so as to come into contact with air being circulated withinthe enclosed environment by the air handling apparatus. The filtrationdevice comprises nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxideparticles capable of removing one or more undesirable substances fromthe air flowing through the air handling apparatus.

In certain embodiments, the air handling apparatus includes a filtercartridge that is removably inserted into the air handling apparatus anddisposed transversely with respect to the flow of air through the airhandling apparatus. In certain applications, such as in an HVAC unit,the filter cartridge is disposed generally perpendicular to the localdirection of air flow through the air handling apparatus. The filtercartridge comprises first filter media for removing undesirablesubstances such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins and odors, from theair flowing through the air handling apparatus. The first filter mediacomprises nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particlescapable of removing one or more undesirable substances from the airflowing through the air handling apparatus. In certain embodiments, thefilter cartridge may also include second filter media for removingparticulate matter from the air flowing through the air handlingapparatus.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, there isprovided a method of controlling and eliminating undesirable substancesfrom within an enclosed environment. The method utilizes an air handlingapparatus including a blower that acts as a motive force for circulatingair within the enclosed environment and is located within the enclosedenvironment. The method generally comprises providing an air filtrationdevice positioned so as to come into contact with air being circulatedwithin the enclosed environment by the air handling apparatus, and usingthe blower to direct air containing at least one undesirable substancethrough the filtration device in order to remove at least a portion ofthe at least one undesirable substance from the air thereby producing aflow of purified air. The filtration device comprises nanocrystallinemetal oxide or metal hydroxide particles capable of removing at leastone undesirable substance from the air flowing through the air handlingapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a portable air purifier utilizing nanocrystallineparticles according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of a pleated filter cartridge having filter media whichcontains nanocrystalline metal oxide or hydroxide particles according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view of a honeycomb-type filter cartridge having a pluralityof cells filled with granulated metal oxide or hydroxide particles;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an HVAC system installed within a buildingwith which the present invention may be used; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a ventilation system in which a portion ofair passing through a filtration device in accordance with the presentinvention is vented outside of an enclosed environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is generally directed toward the use ofnanocrystalline materials, particularly nanocrystalline metal oxides andhydroxides in systems for controlling and eliminating undesirablesubstances from air. Such undesirable substances include odors andairborne pathogens like viruses, bacteria, toxins, and fungi. Thepresent invention is particularly suited for use in both mobileenvironments (such as vehicles, boats, trains, airplanes, and the like)and stationary environments (such as buildings with an existing HVACunit installed therein or having a portable air processing device or airpurifier located therein). The use of nanocrystalline metal oxides andhydroxides in sorbing odors is described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/091,671 entitled TREATMENT OF ODORS USINGNANOCRYSTALLINE METAL OXIDES, published as U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication 2009/0098016, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

The nanocrystalline materials may comprise nanocrystalline metal oxidesand hydroxides, coated metal oxides/hydroxides (i.e., halogen coatings),doped metal oxides/hydroxides, surfactant coated nanocrystalline metaloxides and combinations thereof. The terms “metal oxides” and “metalhydroxides” as used herein collectively refer to all such materials thatcomprise, preferably as the principal constituent, a metal oxide ormetal hydroxide material.

Preferred nanocrystalline materials for use in connection with thepresent invention include the metal oxides and metal hydroxides of Mg,Sr, Ba, Ca, Ti, Zr, Fe, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Al, Si, Zn, Ag, Mo, Sb, Cr, Coand mixtures thereof. Additional preferred nanocrystalline materialsinclude coated nanocrystal materials such as those disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,093,236, and 5,759,939 (metal oxide coated with anothermetal oxide), halogenated particles such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,653,519, 6,087,294 and 6,057,488 (nanocrystalline materialshaving reactive atoms stabilized on the surfaces thereof, the reactiveatoms including oxygen ion moieties, ozone, halogens, and group Imetals), doped metal oxides and hydroxides such as silver doped alumina,intimately mixed metal oxides such as combinations of Mg, Al, and Ti,carbon coated metal oxides, and air stable nanocrystalline materialssuch as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,887,302 and 6,860,924(nanocrystalline materials coated with a surfactant, wax, oil, syntheticor natural polymer, or resin), all of which are incorporated byreference herein. The nanocrystalline materials preferably presentcrystallite sizes of less than about 25 nm, more preferably less 20 thannm, and most preferably less than 10 nm. The nanocrystalline particlespreferably exhibit a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) multipoint surfacearea of at least about 15 m²/g, more preferably at least about 70 m²/g,and most preferably from about 100-850 m²/g. Exemplary nanocrystallinematerials are available from NanoScale Corporation, Manhattan, Kans.,under the name NanoActive®.

In certain embodiments according to the invention, the nanocrystallineparticles are contained in an air filtration device. In one embodiment,the nanocrystalline particles are present in the air filtration devicein the form of a bed of particles. The particles may be packed togetherso as to form a packed bed, or loosely contained within a tray or othertype of container. When arranged as a bed of particles, the airfiltration device advantageously permits the particles to be exchangedfrom time to time so that fresh nanocrystalline particles may be presentwithin the system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable air purifier 10 that utilizes a loose bedof particles 12. In this embodiment, purifier 10 comprises a housing 14inside of which is a fan 12 that acts as the motive force for themovement of air into housing 14 and across particle bed 12. As usedherein, the terms “fan” and “blower” essentially define any means actingas the motive force for the movement of air whether it is specific to aparticular portion of the air handling system, or a part of equipmentassociated therewith or coupled thereto. As air moves across bed 12, theundesirable substances present within the air contact and are adsorbedby the nanocrystalline particles. Thus, the air exiting housing 14 ispurified and is returned to the enclosed environment. Purifier 10 may beAC or DC powered. As shown, purifier 10 is powered by batteries 15.DC-powered versions of purifier 10 are particularly suited for usewithin small-volume enclosures such as refrigerators, freezers,automobiles, and closets. Larger, AC-powered portable purifiers areparticularly useful in disaster recovery and restoration operations thatrequire circulation of large volumes of air. Particularly, these largerunits can be used in the clean up of fire, flood, and sewer damagewithin buildings. With a particle bed configuration, the spent particlescan be replaced periodically with fresh particles, in alternateembodiments, particle bed 12 can be replaced with a cartridge containingthe nanocrystalline particles. The cartridge can be similar in design tothose cartridges described below or could be much simpler and comprise adisposable, porous bag or pouch containing the nanocrystallineparticles.

In another embodiment, the nanocrystalline particles are containedwithin a filter cartridge, such as cartridges 18 and 20 as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. In one embodiment, filter cartridges 18 and20 are interchangeable with a standard filter used in an air handlingsystem, such as an HVAC system, a climate control system in a vehicle,train, or airplane, or portable air filtration device. One of skill inthe art would recognize that the geometry of the filter cartridge couldbe altered to suit the required application, such as, for example, acanister-type filter, round filter, etc. The filter cartridge for usewith the present invention generally comprises first filter media whichcontains the nanocrystalline particles. In alternate embodiments, thefilter cartridges may comprise a second filter media for removingparticulate matter from the air being circulated by the air handlingsystem. The second filter media can be inter-dispersed with the firstfilter media or can be located entirely upstream or downstreamtherefrom. In certain embodiments, it is desirable to locate the secondfilter media upstream from the first filter media so that particulatematter circulating in the air can be removed prior to coming intocontact with the first filter media containing the nanocrystallineparticles, so as to avoid clogging or blocking air flow to theparticles.

The first filter media may comprise a porous non-woven material in whichthe nanocrystalline particles are entrapped. The non-woven material maycomprise a synthetic resin foam or film containing the nanocrystallineparticles. Exemplary non-woven materials include natural fibers (e.g.,cellulose, cotton, wool, etc.) and synthetic fibers (e.g., acrylicaromatic polyaramide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polimide,glass, polyphenylene sulfide, bi-component fibers, etc.). The secondfilter media may comprise the same or similar material as used in thefirst filter media. The second filter media may also containnanocrystalline particles or it may not. Exemplary materials for use asthe second filter media include natural fibers (e.g., cellulose, cotton,wool, etc.) and synthetic fibers (e.g., acrylic aromatic polyaramide,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polimide, glass, polyphenylenesulfide, bi-component fibers, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 2, the filter cartridge 18 comprises a pleated sheet 22of non-woven material into which the nanocrystalline particles aresubstantially uniformly distributed. As explained below, in numerousapplications filter cartridge 18 is installed vertically within the airhandling apparatus. Therefore, it is important that the nanocrystallineparticles remain substantially uniformly distributed within thenon-woven material and do not settle or migrate toward any particulararea of the cartridge. In instances where nanocrystalline particles aredispersed within the fibers of conventional filter media, when thefilter is installed vertically, the particles tend to settle toward thebottom of the filter cartridge, or into more dense pockets of particlesdisbursed at various locations within the media, thereby reducing theirability to contact the air moving through the cartridge. The presentinvention, however, solves this problem by entrapping the particlesevenly throughout the media thereby maximizing the available surfacearea to come into contact with the circulating air.

In certain embodiments, the particles remain substantially uniformlydistributed within the cartridge for a period of at least one month whenthe filter cartridge is vertically installed within the air handlingapparatus. The ability to keep the nanocrystalline particles evenlydistributed throughout the filter media even when installed vertically(as is the case for most filters used in conventional air handlingsystems) indicates that the nanoparticles are not simply applied as aloose powder to the filter. Rather, the particles and first filter mediaare formed in such a manner that the particles are entrapped andmaintain a relatively constant local position within the filter media.In other embodiments, the first filter media comprises granules uponwhich the nanocrystalline particles are deposited as a coating. Thegranules may be nanocrystalline metal oxide/hydroxide particlesthemselves, or may another type of inert porous substrate such asactivated carbon. The nanocrystalline particles may be applied to thegranules as a plurality of coating layers in order to give a“time-release” odor-absorbance effect wherein subsequent inner layerswould gradually gain exposure to the air being circulated through thefilter by the air handling apparatus.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of a filter cartridge made inaccordance with the present invention. Cartridge 20 comprises ahoneycomb-like structure 24 that includes a plurality of discrete cells26 with each cell containing a quantity of granular nanocrystallinemetal oxide or metal hydroxide material 28. The granules 28 arecontained in the cells by first and second sheets 30, 32 of finelyporous material. Sheets 30, 32 may comprise woven or non-woven materialsthat are sufficiently permeable to permit air to freely passtherethrough, but do not permit the granules 28 to escape cells 26.Thus, granules 28 are entrapped within cells 26 and remain substantiallyuniformly distributed throughout cartridge 20 even when verticallyinstalled in air handling apparatus. Sheets 30, 32 may also be made ofmaterial similar to the above-described first and second filter mediaand be capable of filtering particulate matter from the air prior topassage through the honeycomb section 24.

In certain embodiments according to the present invention, thenanocrystalline particles are present in the air filtration device, orfilter cartridge, at a loading of between about 50 g to about 1 kg persquare foot (about 538 g to about 1.0.74 kg per square meter).

Thus, the filter according to the present invention performs the task ofremoving particles (i.e., dust, pet hair, lint, etc.) much as aconventional filter. However, unlike a conventional filter, thenanocrystalline particles contained by the first filter media alsoremove and neutralize undesirable chemical and biological substancespresent in the air, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins.Common odors that may be removed by the inventive filter cartridgesinclude those caused by a member selected from the group consisting ofurine, feces, sweat, decaying biological material, pesticides, organicsolvents, volatile organic compounds, and combinations thereof. U.S.Patent Application Publication 2009/0098016, incorporated by referenceabove, discloses further exemplary odor-causing substances that may beremoved by the nanocrystalline particles used with the present filtercartridge. Additionally, the nanocrystalline particles have the abilityto remove harmful non-odorous materials and substances from air withinthe enclosed space. Exemplary materials and substances include HCN, CO,and biological species like viruses, bacteria, toxins and fungi.

As discussed above, the filter devices, including the above-describedfilter cartridges 18, 20, are particularly suited for use with airhandling apparatus, including fixed or permanently installed apparatusincluding HVAC systems, various vent systems such as hood vents andvents from industrial dryers and mixers. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary airhandling apparatus 34, particularly an HVAC system installed within abuilding 36 (e.g., a house, office building, industrial building, orwarehouse), that includes a blower 38 acting as a motive force forcirculating air within the enclosed environment and a filter cartridge40. The HVAC unit generally comprises duct work 42 that directs the flowof air into and out of blower 38 for distribution within the building.At least one filter cartridge 40 is installed within the HVAC unit.Conventionally, apparatus 34 utilizes a cartridge primarily forparticulate removal from the air passing through the air handlingapparatus 34. However, in the context of the present invention, thecartridge containing the nanocrystalline particles may be installed inaddition to or in place of the conventional filter (sometimes referredto as a furnace filter). The present filter cartridges are designed soas to minimize the pressure drop that occurs across the filter. Should apacked bed-type filter be used within air handling apparatus 34, a morepowerful blower is needed in order to pull air through the filter andcompensate for an increased pressure drop as most blowers installed inhomes and various other types of buildings simply are not powerfulenough to overcome the seemingly large pressure drop which occurs acrossa packed bed-type filter. But in certain applications, the use of apacked-bed filter is contemplated and may be highly practical. Inalternate embodiments, however, the filter cartridges may becharacterized as having much smaller pressure drops than conventionalpacked bed-type filters.

In certain embodiments, the filter is placed upstream of the HVAC'sblower 38 so that the blower “pulls” air through the filter cartridge40. Thus, air from within the building 36 is directed toward the blower38 by way of one or more return-air ducts 44. The air from within thebuilding 36 may be laden with odors or other undesirable substancespresent within the building structure. The blower 38 forces the airthrough the filter cartridge 40 where the undesirable substances arecontacted with the nanocrystalline particles carried thereby. Theundesirable substances are then sorbed onto the nanocrystallineparticles, and a stream of purified air is directed through the blower38 for distribution to the building via fresh air ducts 46.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary air handling system 48 in which at least aportion of the air passing through the system is vented outside of anenclosed space 50, such as to the atmosphere. The air handling systemcomprises a hood 52 and fan 54 that supplies a motive force for causinga flow of air containing one or more undesirable substances. Hood 52 isequipped with an air filtration device 56 such as any of those describedabove. Thus, air handling system 48 is operable to remove one or moreundesirable substances, such as odors, bacteria, fungi, viruses, ortoxins, from the air prior to being released into the atmosphere. It isunderstood that system 48 is merely exemplary of a system that is incommunication with an enclosed space and also with the environmentoutside of the enclosed space, and that the present invention is notintended to be limited to only the apparatus shown. Rather, other typesof venting systems utilizing the above principles can also be employedto remove undesirable substances carried by the air flow prior to theair being exhausted to the atmosphere.

As with other conventional filters, the filter cartridges according tothe present invention may be replaced from time to time due to cloggingof the various filter media, and due to saturation of thenanocrystalline particles carried by the first filter media. The usefulservice life for the filter cartridge may vary depending upon conditionsexisting with a particular building. For applications exhibiting largeconcentrations of suspended particulates or unusually strong odors orconcentrations of undesirable substances, cartridge replacement willlikely be needed more frequently. However, under normal conditions, thefilter cartridge may continue to reduce or eliminate levels of odors andundesirable substances for at least one month, and preferably at least 3months of substantially continuous operation of the air handlingapparatus.

1. A system for controlling and eliminating undesirable substances in anenclosed environment comprising: air handling apparatus including ablower which acts as a motive force for the flow of air within theenclosed environment; and an air filtration device positioned so as tocome into contact with the flow of air caused by said air handlingapparatus, said filtration device comprising nanocrystalline metal oxideor metal hydroxide particles capable of removing one or more undesirablesubstances from the air flowing through said air handling apparatus. 2.The system according to claim 1, wherein said nanocrystalline particlesare selected from the group consisting of oxides and hydroxides of Mg,Sr, Ba, Ca, Ti, Zr, Fe, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Al, Si, Zn, Ag, Mo, Sb, Co, Crand mixtures thereof.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidair filtration device comprises a bed said nanocrystalline particlesplaced within said enclosed environment.
 4. The system according toclaim 1, wherein said air filtration device comprises a filtercartridge.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said filtercartridge is removably inserted into said air handling apparatus.
 6. Thesystem according to claim 4, wherein said filter cartridge comprises afirst filter media which contains said nanocrystalline particles.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 6, wherein said first filter media comprises aporous non-woven material, said nanocrystalline particles beingentrapped within said non-woven material.
 8. The system according toclaim 7, wherein said non-woven material comprises a synthetic resinfoam or film.
 9. The system according to claim 6, wherein said firstfilter media comprises granules upon which said nanocrystallineparticles are deposited as a coating.
 10. The system according to claim9, wherein said coating comprises a plurality of layers of saidnanocrystalline particles.
 11. The system according to claim 4, whereinsaid filter cartridge comprises a plurality of cells in which saidnanocrystalline particles are contained.
 12. The system according toclaim 4, wherein said filter cartridge comprises a second filter mediafor removing particulate matter from the air flowing through said airhandling apparatus.
 13. The system according to claim 4, wherein saidnanocrystalline particles are substantially uniformly distributedthroughout said first filter media, and remaining substantiallyuniformly distributed for a period of at least one month when saidfilter cartridge is vertically installed within said air handlingapparatus.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said airhandling apparatus is an HVAC unit installed within a stationary ormobile environment.
 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein thestationary environment is a building.
 16. The system according to claim15, wherein said air filtration device comprises a filter cartridge thatis removably inserted into said air handling apparatus and disposedtransversely with respect to the flow of air through said air handlingapparatus.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said filtercartridge is positioned upstream from said blower, and said bloweroperates to pull air through said filter cartridge and into said blower.18. The system according to claim 14, wherein the mobile environment isa vehicle.
 19. The system according to claim 1, wherein said undesirablesubstance is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi,viruses, toxins and odors, said odors being caused by a member selectedfrom the group consisting of urine, feces, sweat, decaying biologicalmaterial, pesticides, organic solvents, volatile organic compounds, andcombinations thereof.
 20. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidair handling apparatus is a portable air purifier or portable airprocessor.
 21. The system according to claim 1, said system furthercomprising vent structure for venting at least a portion of the air thathas contacted said air filtration device outside of said enclosedenvironment.
 22. A method of controlling and eliminating undesirablesubstances from within an enclosed environment, an air handlingapparatus including a blower which acts as a motive force for the flowof air within the enclosed environment being located within the enclosedenvironment, said method comprising the steps of: providing an airfiltration device positioned so as to come into contact with the airflow generated by said air handling apparatus, said filtration devicecomprising nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particlescapable of removing at least one undesirable substance from the airflowing through said air handling apparatus; and using said blower todirect air containing said at least one undesirable substance throughsaid filtration device in order to remove at least a portion of said atleast one undesirable substance from the air thereby producing a flow ofpurified air.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said airhandling apparatus is an HVAC unit installed within a stationary ormobile environment.
 24. The method ace ding to claim 23, wherein thestationary environment is a building.
 25. The method according to claim24, further comprising directing said purified air through said blowerand into said enclosed environment.
 26. The method according to claim23, wherein the mobile environment is a vehicle.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 22, wherein said air handling apparatus is a portableair purifier or portable air processor.
 28. The method according toclaim 22, wherein said nanocrystalline particles are selected from thegroup consisting of oxides and hydroxides of Mg, Sr, Ba, Ca, Ti, Zr, Fe,V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Al, Si, Zn, Ag, Mo, Sb, Cr, Co and mixtures thereof. 29.The method according to claim 22, wherein said undesirable substance isselected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, toxinsand odors, said odors being caused by a member selected from the groupconsisting of urine, feces, sweat, decaying biological material,pesticides, organic solvents, volatile organic compounds, andcombinations thereof.
 30. The method according to claim 22, wherein saidair filtration device comprises a bed said nanocrystalline particlesplaced within said enclosed environment.
 31. The method according toclaim 22, therein said air filtration device comprises a filtercartridge.
 32. The method according to claim 31, wherein said filtercartridge comprises a first filter media which contains saidnanocrystalline particles.
 33. The method according to claim 32, whereinsaid first filter media comprises a porous non-woven material, saidnanocrystalline particles being entrapped within said non-wovenmaterial.
 34. The method according to claim 32, wherein said firstfilter media comprises granules upon which said nanocrystallineparticles are deposited as a coating.
 35. The method according to claim34, wherein said coating comprises a plurality of layers of saidnanocrystalline particles.
 36. The method according to claim 31, whereinsaid filter cartridge comprises a plurality of cells in which saidnanocrystalline particles are contained.
 37. The method according toclaim 22, further comprising the step of venting at least a portion ofsaid purified air outside of said enclosed environment.